How do you learn to make combinations?

Learning to prevent combinations might be a better idea.

You can essentially throw anything in the wok, and with the right sauce, it'll turn out alright.  Just make sure you chop everything into similar-sized pieces, try to choose complementary flavours (or, if you're feeling bold, drench it in chili oil), and mix the cornstarch with the liquid before adding it, to ensure a fine consistency for your combination.

If you want the book that helped me the most, try: Chess Tactics for Advanced Players by Yuri Averbakh. It's advanced, as the title says, but definitely worth the effort. You will see a huge impact in your game from studying it.

The USCF store has it new  and in stock for $23.95.

stwils, i'm glad to see you're still hanging in there. pursuing the elusive goal. many try, but few succeed. keep on keeping on. aloha,...ppeets

I really liked "The Art Of Chess Combination" by Znosko-Borovsky. 

Yes it is.  It is worth the effort to know both notations.

Basic Motifs : Get the Bain book, finish it cover to cover ... then practice with CT ART on  levels 10 through 30 repeatedly until you can see the pattern + answer within 2 seconds even at 4 a.m. after a drinking binge :) (a lofty goal that I'm still trying to reach ... )

More advanced tactics:  Instead of books =>  Collect every missed (any engine can figure those out for you) shot you ever made (blitz, slow, bullet games) into a database and rigorously go over them, quizzing yourself randomly the way people do with flashcards.  I've been doing this and find it more efficient to work on my  blind spots than to hit generic tactics books.